The MHS Online program in Population, Family, and Reproductive Health is designed for part-time working professionals who desire skills to enable them to conduct research and evaluation in maternal and child health (MCH). The program provides students with a fundamental understanding of statistical methods and their application; epidemiology; research methods in a selected methodological area (epidemiologic methods, behavior sciences, or health services research and evaluation); leadership; expertise in MCH; and the application of life course perspectives on health.
The program is intended for students with one to two years of public health experience prior to entry. The specialized skills and knowledge gained during the program are essential for the workforce to promote the health of MCH populations.
The department is home to a Center of Excellence in MCH Education, Science, and Practice. Faculty are recognized experts in MCH in the areas of maternal, perinatal, child, and adolescent health. Faculty are also experts in population studies and women’s, sexual and reproductive health.
PFRH has several centers and large initiatives linked to MCH that offer research and evaluation opportunities for students:
- Center for Adolescent Health
- Center for Early Life Origins of Disease
- Child and Adolescent Health Measurement Initiative
- Early Childhood Services Research Program
- Women’s, Infants, and Children’s Program
Our online coursework in MCH is highly rated, including MCH Legislation and Policies; Demographic Methods for Public Health; and Life Course Perspectives on Health along with other courses in specific areas of MCH such as Growth and Nutrition in MCH and Infant Mortality.
Students complete the program in 1-3 years, with 64 credits (4 full terms, equivalents of coursework) including an MHS essay and presentation; five courses in MCH; and school-wide and departmental requirements.
A certificate in MCH is available at the completion of the program.
This program modality is pending Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) Approval for the modality of the curriculum structure. The pending approval will not affect admitted applicants’ ability to enroll in the program.
Graduates combine prior experience and educational training to pursue careers in policy, research, and advocacy in government, non-governmental organizations, and academic institutions.